The Dolphins open the regular season in 12 days, and the analysts calling their first game say the spotlight couldn’t be any brighter.

Coach Tony Sparano and quarterback Chad Henne, who ultimately survived the offseason after their bosses flirted with replacements, will begin their make-or-break season under an intense microscope when they face the powerhouse New England Patriots on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

All of their progress this training camp – and all of their warts – will be on display for everyone to see.

“Miami’s the wild card to me,” MNF voice Mike Tirico said Wednesday in a conference call. “Will those guys, who were put out on the ledge a little bit in terms of their future with the Dolphins, will they come up with big games with everybody watching?”

Tirico and his two partners, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski, agreed that all eyes will be on Henne, who retained his starting job and was not seriously challenged for it this camp despite his poor year in 2010. Tirico pointed out Henne’s 363-yard performance last year against the Jets on Monday Night Football as an example of Henne’s ability to play well under the national spotlight.

“He’s going to really have to put a masterpiece together, I believe, to beat the New England Patriots in the opener,” Gruden said.

Gruden said he wasn’t a fan of the Dolphins’ decision not to sign a serious challenger for Henne. New backup Matt Moore has 13 career NFL starts, but the job is Henne’s for now.

“I think I stated during the draft that I was surprised that Miami didn’t bring in another quarterback,” Gruden said. “I didn’t necessarily think they were going to draft one in the first round, but I wouldn’t have faulted them for doing so.”

“I’m just surprised they didn’t bring in a proven NFL backup, given Henne’s up and down play. I still think Henne’s got some talent, he showcases that to everyone, but he’s been inconsistent. Hopefully he takes off with coach (Brian) Daboll’s new offense in Miami.”

Tirico said there’s a lot of heat riding on Henne and Sparano after their bizarre offseasons, as well as other big-name players.

“There is so much, I guess, lack of clear messaging coming from the Dolphins during the offseason – would there be a new head coach? Would there be a new QB? So they’re feeling that pressure,” Tirico said. “If they can get one against the Patriots and gain some confidence. Can Reggie Bush have a good game in his debut? Brandon Marshall after another offseason with issues and problems?”

“Their schedule early on is difficult, and there’s a lot rolled into this game for them at home.”

Strictly looking at X’s and O’x, Jaworski believes the key matchup to this game will be “Patriots offensive line against that Miami defense, which is much improved. They’ve got a wealth of talent on that front seven.”